Copenhagen already had its fair share of floating architecture, with floating homes and artificial islands. A project by Marshall Blecher and Fokstrot may soon be added to this list. They designed green, park-like islands for the city that float on water.
Copenhagen Islands is a non-profit initiative supported by the City of Copenhagen, Og Havn and Den Gode Havneliv. The islands will be located in Copenhagen’s southern harbour and will be ‘built’ locally using traditional shipbuilding techniques. The park islands will be made from recycled, sustainable materials.
The shape and size of the islands, which will be covered with grass and trees, vary. Throughout the seasons, leisure users, such as swimmers, kayakers and rowers, can make use of them. If desired, the islands can, for example, be joined together to form one large island for a special event.
The first prototype of the island, named CPH-Ø1, was completed in 2018 and proved popular for picnics; a photography exhibition was even organised there. The next three islands are due to be launched this year; these will be followed by further islands in the coming years. The design team devised ways in which the islands could also be used as floating saunas, mussel farms or for a ‘sail-in café’.
The Copenhagen Islands represent a completely new type of public park in Copenhagen. Thanks to their location on the water, they tie in well with the rapid urban development along the harbour front. They provide recreational spaces and help to create a new urban environment.
